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BHi Gavin
My 8 inch is a GSO and was around $500.
When I purchased it I purchased a coma corrector which was around $350 I think but honestly I dont really remember exactly so go to Andrews Communication web site and Bintel and check prices.
I think Bintels scope is exactly the same unit.
I have not tried my scope without a coma corrector so it may be ok without one for a start...I find I crop the part of my photos that probably would show coma so I may have got by without it.
Its focal length at 1000mm seems short enough to manage.
My 80 mm was a little over $2000 and it is about half the fl but I find both do not like a poor polar alignment.
There is another option to consider and that is a cheap camera lens.
I have a Nikon D5500 and use a 70 / 200 mm lens which cost only around $200 a little more or less and it is such fun and it will surprise you what you can get with it....
I also have an old cannon with a cheap lens 50/300 which certainly does similar.
And you could consider Martins suggestion of a 6 inch.
I used a 6 inch for years and would still be using it but it needed a rebuild and that was the only reason I went to the 8 inch.
Dont be put off by folk saying reflectors are a hassle...I still have not colminated my eight inch and it has two trips North so that is 3000 klms of bouncy bouncy.
Personally I would go this way. Get a HEQ5 and learn about mounts...count on pulling it down for cleaning greasing adjustment...but perhaps get to understand the Equatorial mount thing first.
You will keep it even if you finally get a mount 10 times its price. ..if not sell it they dont lose much amd sell the dsy you list them when priced fair.
Later you may decide to spend a fortune on a mount but it will take quiet a while before you want one or more importantly need one.
On the mount start with a 6 inch reflector and ring the best out of it...Look at what a six inch can do....
When and if you get to the stage you can fault either the mount or the scope you will know yourself the next step...take me I doubt if I will ever get the best out of my gear...and the thing I must mention.....It is rather satisfying to produce good images on a six inch and have folk say...you did that on a six? As if you only have a toy..they are not a toy.
My six inch has an upgraded focuser and the tube fully baffled and a dedicated baffled extended dew tube to prevent moistute and stray light...and I plan to rebuild it again with a better mirror, secondary and focuser...set up it is between the eight and the 80mm the six for me is perfect scope.
Alex
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